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One step forward, two steps back. That describes our season up to now. We started out with a big loss at Lansing, dropping that one 29-16, however, rebounded only losing the next 2 games by less then 4 points, Reno 20-16 and Fargo 24-21. Clearly outplayed by Vancouver, we then came right back and played strong games against Newark(14-3), and Wichita(16-13). Playing our strongest game of the year against Salt Lake, we just did, let that one slip away, dropping it 16-13, and last week we just came out flat, losing to Cleveland 17-3.
Has you can see, that leaves us at 0-8, however....I am extremelly happy with the progress we have made thusfar, and we have been in just about every game we have played. This is a huge accomplishment for a team thats average age is 23 years old, and average experience is less then 2 years playing professional football.
OFFENSE
Our starting QB, Granger(92-191 1013 yds 4 td's 14 int's), has sholdered much of the responsibility for these losses, however, playing behind a rookie offensive line, and throwing to rookie WR's, he has proven, he has THE toughest job in the league.
RB Lomeli, and FB Myer has been impressive, each of them are extremelly steady, showing up week in and week out, giving 110% in practice and on game day regardless of wins or losses.
We are also blessed with the best pair of TE's in the league, in Flores and Ventura. Sharing time in every game this season, they are unselfish, and want whats best for the team.
The biggest suprise of the year is WR Tessier, who continues to defy the label the scouts gave him has "less then average", and inproves each week surpassing the expectations of even the coaching staff. Paired with a future superstar in Martinez, that gives Oakland one of the strongest 1-2 punches in the league, who will be starters for years to come.
The strongest group of the entire team is without a dought our offensive line. Future studs C-Rogers, LF Sheffield, and RG Ingrahm will continue to improve and will dominate defense lineman.
DEFENSE
The terror of the league will soon be the team of LDE Nelson and NT Woods. Nelson, who was gunning for defensive player of the year untill last weeks injury which will keep him sidelined for the next 3 weeks, has already racked up 7.5 sacks despite being double and triple teamed every week. Woods continues to improve and by this time next year, should be player of the week, every week!
The linebacking corps, is lacking, at best. What was once a promising group of linebackers, is fading fast, with the only leader amoung them, SLB Nickels, out for the remainder of the year. The best of the rest is WILB Allmon, who will be expected to step up and take charge of the young group that remains in WLB Minard, and MLB's Quintanilla, and vetran Fuchs.
CB's Lapierre, and Moreau are limited in their potiental, but continue to play hard every week.
The safties, McLaughlin and Davey will be superstars one day, but the lack of CB support leaves them on an island attempting to chase down every play that leaks into the backfield.
So in conclussion, you can see that despite our 0-8 record, Oakland has not given up, nor will we. We will continue to fight, and if you see us on your schedule, you better not underestimate us because we will be gunning for YOU.
Has you can see, that leaves us at 0-8, however....I am extremelly happy with the progress we have made thusfar, and we have been in just about every game we have played. This is a huge accomplishment for a team thats average age is 23 years old, and average experience is less then 2 years playing professional football.
OFFENSE
Our starting QB, Granger(92-191 1013 yds 4 td's 14 int's), has sholdered much of the responsibility for these losses, however, playing behind a rookie offensive line, and throwing to rookie WR's, he has proven, he has THE toughest job in the league.
RB Lomeli, and FB Myer has been impressive, each of them are extremelly steady, showing up week in and week out, giving 110% in practice and on game day regardless of wins or losses.
We are also blessed with the best pair of TE's in the league, in Flores and Ventura. Sharing time in every game this season, they are unselfish, and want whats best for the team.
The biggest suprise of the year is WR Tessier, who continues to defy the label the scouts gave him has "less then average", and inproves each week surpassing the expectations of even the coaching staff. Paired with a future superstar in Martinez, that gives Oakland one of the strongest 1-2 punches in the league, who will be starters for years to come.
The strongest group of the entire team is without a dought our offensive line. Future studs C-Rogers, LF Sheffield, and RG Ingrahm will continue to improve and will dominate defense lineman.
DEFENSE
The terror of the league will soon be the team of LDE Nelson and NT Woods. Nelson, who was gunning for defensive player of the year untill last weeks injury which will keep him sidelined for the next 3 weeks, has already racked up 7.5 sacks despite being double and triple teamed every week. Woods continues to improve and by this time next year, should be player of the week, every week!
The linebacking corps, is lacking, at best. What was once a promising group of linebackers, is fading fast, with the only leader amoung them, SLB Nickels, out for the remainder of the year. The best of the rest is WILB Allmon, who will be expected to step up and take charge of the young group that remains in WLB Minard, and MLB's Quintanilla, and vetran Fuchs.
CB's Lapierre, and Moreau are limited in their potiental, but continue to play hard every week.
The safties, McLaughlin and Davey will be superstars one day, but the lack of CB support leaves them on an island attempting to chase down every play that leaks into the backfield.
So in conclussion, you can see that despite our 0-8 record, Oakland has not given up, nor will we. We will continue to fight, and if you see us on your schedule, you better not underestimate us because we will be gunning for YOU.
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